abstoßen

to push off; to kick off (in swimming/running)

verb AHP-shtoh-sen Rare

Also means

to repel; to disgust

Usage Note

abstoßen in swimming describes pushing off the wall at a turn, in running pushing off the starting blocks. Sich vom Rand abstoßen is reflexive. The everyday meaning — to repel or repulse someone — is more common outside sport.

Examples

"Sie stieß sich kräftig von der Wand ab und tauchte durch das Wasser."

Natural Translation

She pushed off powerfully from the wall and glided through the water.

Literal Translation

She pushed herself powerfully from the wall off and dove through the water.

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